Taking to The Hills by Chris Hutchens

Mountain biking has evolved considerably over the last 30 years. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to visit one of the claimed homes of mountain biking in the small town of Crested Butte in Colorado. I even met the famous Chris King, who actually served up pancakes for me before disappearing off into the huge, high hills of Colorado. What an experience that was.

Bikes have changed dramatically since then, different angles, material, the introduction of electronics and probably most fundamental massively improved suspension technology. We’re at a point now where the bikes allow us as riders to venture onto more challenging terrain and for me that means taking to the hills and really exploring what mountain biking is all about.

So while there’s some superb trails at the local trail centres up and down the country I challenge you to pick up a map and go and explore. Put yourself out of your comfort zone, get lost, find that awesome trail and maybe that one you’ll not do again. It’s an adventure. If you want to increase the guarantee of a good descent a little tip is to check out trailforks or strava. There’s an incredible amount of information on these apps.

Enjoy the trail, head out prepared and I’m sure you’ll feel like a proper mountain biker!